President Donald Trump on Friday sharply criticized NATO allies for what he called their insufficient support of the U.S.-Israel war against Iran, labeling longstanding allies as “cowards” in a pointed social media post.
“Without the U.S.A., NATO IS A PAPER TIGER!” Trump wrote, accusing allied nations of failing to assist in securing shipping through the Strait of Hormuz a key route disrupted since U.S.-Israel strikes began on February 28. The ongoing conflict has killed thousands, displaced millions, and unsettled global markets.
Trump argued that NATO members and other allies, who were not consulted before the strikes, have avoided taking direct military action despite the resulting surge in oil prices.
“Now that the fight is militarily won, with very little danger for them, they complain about the high oil prices they are forced to pay, but don’t want to help open the Strait of Hormuz, a simple military manoeuvre that is the single reason for the high oil prices. So easy for them to do, with so little risk. COWARDS, and we will REMEMBER!” he wrote.
In contrast, Germany, Britain, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Japan, and Canada issued a joint statement Thursday pledging to support “appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait.” German Chancellor Friedrich Merz clarified that this commitment depends on an end to active combat.
French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized that defending international law and pursuing de-escalation were the EU’s priorities, stating,
“I have not heard anyone here express a willingness to enter this conflict quite the opposite.”
The remarks highlight growing tension between Washington and its traditional allies over involvement in the Middle East, as global energy markets remain volatile and nations navigate the risks of escalating regional warfare.
